The Model Sanctuary, based in London’s Covent Garden, offers models a space to relax and recharge and professional support and advice during the week of high-profile catwalk shows. Jo was shown around the Sanctuary house, and introduced to fashion and beauty students from London College of Fashion who are helping to run the project.

Supermodel Erin O’Connor built up the Model Sanctuary project from scratch withher 15 years experience of the modelling industry. Last year, the Model Sanctuary received 150-200 model visitors each day, 90% of whom were between 16 and 21 years old. The vast majority of them made use of the in-house team of health and wellbeing professionals, including a nutritionist, physio-fitness team, osteopath, life coach and masseuse.

Commenting, Jo Swinson said:

“The Model Sanctuary is a fantastic project from our Campaign for Body Confidence partner Erin O’Connor. LFW is a very demanding time for models, who are faced with real pressures surrounding their health and appearance. At the Model Sanctuary, models can make their own health and wellbeing decisions in a positive and self-informed way, with a team of professionals on hand to help empower them and build on all-round confidence in mind and body.

“By providing a friendly, self-contained and confidential space where models can be themselves and take a break from the catwalk, the Model Sanctuary sends out a positive message about good health and wellbeing – that no matter who you are or what you look like, taking care of yourself is essential.”